Difficult Day in Israel: Remains of 4 Hostages Killed in Captivity Have Been Returned by Hamas

This morning (Thursday), the (presumed) remains of Shiri Bibas-Silverman, her two children Kfir and Ariel, and Oded Lifshitz were returned to Israel and transferred to our forces in the Gaza Strip. Security agencies, the IDF, and Shin Bet transfer of the remains for identification and testing to determine the time and cause of death.

10:52: The Convoy with the Coffins Crosses into Israel: The vehicles making their way to the Forensic Institute in Abu Kabir.

Watch the convoy:

10:50: Ceremony in Memory of the Captive Remains in the Gaza Strip After an IDF Engineering Corps unit completed the verification process of the coffins, the military ceremony commenced, led by the Chief Rabbi of the IDF, Brigadier General Ilan Kerem. During the ceremony held within the Gaza Strip, the Chief Military Rabbi recited the Yizkor prayer and read passages from the Psalms.

IDF Spokesperson: “The four coffins underwent security scanning, after which the unit confirmed that all locks on the coffins could be opened to avoid delays at the Forensic Institute – all coffins are accessible.”

10:21: The Prime Minister’s Office Updates: “Israel has received, through the Red Cross, the coffins of four captive remains. The coffins were handed over to IDF and Shin Bet forces within the territory of the Gaza Strip, from where they will be transferred to Israel to the National Center of Forensic Medicine of the Ministry of Health. Following the identification process, an official notification will be provided to the families. The families of the captives have been informed, and in this difficult time, our hearts are with them. The public is requested to respect the privacy of the families and to avoid spreading rumors and unofficial, unverified information.”

10:21: President Isaac Herzog Responds to This Difficult Morning
In his post on X Herzog wrote: “This is a moment of suffering and pain. The heart of an entire nation is shattered into pieces. On behalf of the State of Israel, I lower my head and ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness for not having fulfilled our duty.”

10:15: Coffins of the Captive Remains Are Transferred to Our Forces in the Gaza Strip.

09:58: The IDF: According to information provided by the Red Cross, four coffins of captive remains have been handed over, and they are on their way to the IDF and Shin Bet forces in the Gaza Strip. The identities of the captive remains have yet to be confirmed; the IDF asks for sensitivity and patience until the official identification is provided first to the families of the captive remains.

09:39: The remains are being transferred to the Red Cross.

09:26: The Red Cross arrives at the handover point for the remains.

Preparation at Abu Kabir

In recent days, the Forensic Institute has been preparing in a special format for the anticipated reception of the four remains. As part of this preparation, a team of doctors, specialists, and lab technicians will be on standby, working around the clock to ensure a quick, accurate, and respectful identification process. The area will be transformed into a closed military zone following the arrival of the remains.

In this complex mission, top professionals will participate; medical examiners, forensic identification experts, and advanced technology teams specializing in DNA testing and data comparison. The preparation also includes the recruitment of additional professionals to assist in completing the identification process and investigating the circumstances of death, all while maintaining strict standards of accuracy, dignity, and medical ethics.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the return of the remains yesterday, stating: “Today will be a difficult and painful day for the people of Israel. We embrace the families and mourn together with them. The pain is great, but our commitment is to prevent such events from happening again.”

Act Responsibly and Sensitively

Ahead of the return of the captive remains, the Ministry of Health urges the public to act with responsibility and sensitivity:

1. Limit media consumption. Respect the remains and their families by not watching their dignity violated through Hamas’s psychological terror. Repeatedly viewing distressing videos can harm one’s mental health.
2. Protect your children from watching the return of the remains. There is no need for a child to witness a funeral organized by Hamas. Explain to children what is happening in a simple and clear manner appropriate for their age and understanding.
3. We all carry invisible wounds of grief, loss, and pain; understand that many people around you are dealing with mourning and hurt. Be sensitive to your loved ones, help those in distress engage in routine or calming activities. If someone needs assistance beyond your ability, direct them to professionals.
4. Do not spread rumors, rely on information from official sources. Avoid spreading fear, and spare yourselves descriptions or scenes of atrocities.